But the conventional wisdom is that the Democratic nomination is Newark Mayor Cory Booker's for the taking, but listening to the chairmen — who can often deliver coveted ballot position and election-day muscle to statewide candidates — it is clear that they are keeping all options open in case Booker chooses not to run.

Long-standing ties to former Gov. Richard J. Codey have also given the chairmen pause. Despite being bounced from the Senate president's seat three years ago, Codey has amassed a formidable campaign account and has strategically spread that wealth in the crucial counties of Passaic, Bergen and Hudson the past few years.

He is also still recognized favorably by voters, though not at the same level of popularity he enjoyed during his famous 15-month stint as governor from 2004 to 2006 after James E. McGreevey resigned amid a sex scandal. And while a recent Quinnipiac University poll pointed to Booker's strong potential — Christie defeated Booker in a hypothetical matchup, 48 percent to 42 percent — Codey also showed potency against Christie, who defeated Codey 47 percent to 41 percent in the same poll.

The Bergen County Democratic chairman, Lou Stellato, summarized the challenge he and fellow chairmen are facing in the coming weeks.

Booker "spoke to the Fair Lawn Democrats a couple of months ago, and he packed the house," Stellato said. "In the chairman's breakfast in July, Dick Codey put 300 people in the room."

The Hudson County chairman, Mark Smith, who is also the mayor of Bayonne, said he is inclined to support Codey because the legislator connects with average voters, is remembered fondly for his steady stewardship after McGreevey's departure and he has backed candidates supported by the Hudson Democratic organization.

"He plays well in Hudson County, but that's not to say we're throwing [our support] with him right now," Smith said. "There are folks coming out of the pack. He would be a terrific governor again."

John Currie, the Passaic County Democratic chairman, expressed similar neutrality.

"At this point, I would say that I'm not in any camp," he said. "I'm friends with all of these people."

Other candidates who are giving serious consideration to running are state Sen. Barbara Buono of Metuchen, one of the state's leading liberals; Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald of Camden County; Assemblyman John Wisniewski of Middlesex County, who is also the state Democratic Party chairman; and Christian Bollwage, the Elizabeth mayor.

None has actually said he or she is running, which adds to the confusion and the reluctance of the chairmen to make an endorsement. The candidates all seem to be circling each other, waiting to see what the others will do. But as the other chairmen say, they can't risk a bitter, costly primary if there is to be any chance of dislodging Christie.

"I think it is important to us as a party that we end up on the same page," Currie said.

Booker is the most closely watched. With his name recognition, bolstered by his star turn at the Democratic National Convention and his frequent television appearances, and his ability to raise money from celebrities and private equity firms on Wall Street, Booker has the potential of clearing out the field if he decides to jump in. But he may not make that decision until sometime next month.

"The storm has delayed that a bit,'' said Mark Matzen, a political consultant for Booker, referring to the mayor's deliberations. "None of those discussion have been had at all."

Codey says he is expected to make up his mind before the end of the year but added that the decision is not contingent on "who may or may not run in the primary."

Codey also applauded Christie's leadership during superstorm Sandy but said he does not think that makes Christie invincible. He recalled how President George H. W. Bush enjoyed a 90 percent approval rating for his handling of the Persian Gulf War, only to lose reelection to Democrat Bill Clinton a year later.

Buono, who chairmen say has been the most explicit in asking for their support, also said her decision to run would not depend on who the other candidates might be.

"I haven't made a decision, and when I do, the basis of my decision will not be about the other candidates,'' she said. "I fully expect there to be other candidates. I never expected to have the nomination handed to me."